Estelle - Boat to Gaza 2012
Other News of Estelle |
A Message from the Co-Chair of UNJPPII am Rev. Marianna Harris and a co-chair of the United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel.
This is a cross-Canada network of United Church people who are committed to ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine. We met last weekend in Toronto and held the Rev. Jim Manly in our prayers as we did our work in Canada and he did his work in an Israeli prison. We talked about how we could do educational work across the United Church to help people understand the dispossession of the Palestinian people. The network supports the ending of the blockade of Gaza so that the people of Gaza have freedom of movement and the capacity to build their economic base by exporting goods. In the United Church we talk about “faithful public witness”. Jim’s willingness to sail with the Estelle in an attempt to break the blockade and bring humanitarian supplies to Gaza is an example of a faithful and very public witness to a desire to create peace and justice in Israel and Palestine. |
Estelle - Breaking the Blockade of Gaza
The Estelle was the vessel in the Swedish initiative “Ship to Gaza” that attempted to break the blockade on Gaza. In the afternoon on August 30th, the sailing schooner Estelle with its 16 person strong crew left the harbour at the Spanish Basque city of Bermeo and headed eastward. After sailing for ten days and rounding the Iberian peninsula, the ship traveled through the Gibraltar Strait into the Mediterranean Sea. Among the crew were working seamen and Ship to Gaza activists from Sweden, Norway, Spain and Canada.
The Canadian member was Jim Manly, a former NDP MP and a retired United Church minister. The story of the Estelle and Jim Manly is recorded in the postings below.
An Interesting Connection;
Elik Elhanan was one of the Israeli members of the crew. His parents - Rami Elhanan and Nurit Peled-Elhanan, is the daughter of the late Major General Matti Peled. Smadar Elhanan, Elik's sister, was killed in a suicide bombing at the center of Jerusalem – a harsh experience which made surviving family members all the more determined to strive for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, so as to prevent further casualties on either side. Miko Peled, Elik and Smadar's uncle, is an American-Israeli who is the author of The General's Son, his autobiography of his family's story of conversion to supporting the Palestinian's in their goal to attain equal human rights in the state of Israel.
The web site of Gaza's Ark logs the journey of the Estelle and their crew.
http://www.gazaark.org/
The Canadian member was Jim Manly, a former NDP MP and a retired United Church minister. The story of the Estelle and Jim Manly is recorded in the postings below.
An Interesting Connection;
Elik Elhanan was one of the Israeli members of the crew. His parents - Rami Elhanan and Nurit Peled-Elhanan, is the daughter of the late Major General Matti Peled. Smadar Elhanan, Elik's sister, was killed in a suicide bombing at the center of Jerusalem – a harsh experience which made surviving family members all the more determined to strive for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, so as to prevent further casualties on either side. Miko Peled, Elik and Smadar's uncle, is an American-Israeli who is the author of The General's Son, his autobiography of his family's story of conversion to supporting the Palestinian's in their goal to attain equal human rights in the state of Israel.
The web site of Gaza's Ark logs the journey of the Estelle and their crew.
http://www.gazaark.org/
The Estelle will challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza: we will not stop till the blockade ends
As long as the blockade of Gaza continues efforts by people of conscience worldwide to end it will continue and Canadian involvement in this work will also continue and remain strong.
The Estelle is a Freedom Flotilla Coalition (of which the Canadian Boat to Gaza is a member) initiative led by "Ship to Gaza Sweden". The Estelle started it's voyage to Gaza in Scandinavia and is now in Corsica and soon heading to Italy then to its final destination: defending justice and human rights.
On board the Estelle for part of the journey was CBG's David Heap. Read his account of his voyage with the Estelle below.
As the Estelle leaves Italy for Gaza there will be another Canadian (a public figure with an honourable political and civil rights history) on board (joining a crew of international public figures) affirming our civil society's resolve to stand strongly and firmly against the blockade of Gaza and for all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people everywhere.
Follow the Estelle live: http://www.gazaark.org/category/follow-the-estelle/
The Estelle is a Freedom Flotilla Coalition (of which the Canadian Boat to Gaza is a member) initiative led by "Ship to Gaza Sweden". The Estelle started it's voyage to Gaza in Scandinavia and is now in Corsica and soon heading to Italy then to its final destination: defending justice and human rights.
On board the Estelle for part of the journey was CBG's David Heap. Read his account of his voyage with the Estelle below.
As the Estelle leaves Italy for Gaza there will be another Canadian (a public figure with an honourable political and civil rights history) on board (joining a crew of international public figures) affirming our civil society's resolve to stand strongly and firmly against the blockade of Gaza and for all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people everywhere.
Follow the Estelle live: http://www.gazaark.org/category/follow-the-estelle/
Challenging the blockade of Gaza: Message from a Canadian on board the Estelle
By David Heap
It is a great honour to be able to accompany the Swedish sailing ship Estelle for a few days, from Barcelona to Ajaccio (Corsica), on its way towards Gaza to challenge the illegal and inhuman blockade which has lasted now for more than five years.
The Estelle in a 90 year-old three-masted schooner purchased from a Finnish fair-trade organization by Ship to Gaza Sweden in April and renovated for this sea voyage. She began a Swedish coastal tour in June, with solidarity and information events in communities to raise awareness about the blockade in Gaza.
From Sweden she traveled to ports in Norway, France, Spain and will stop in Corsica and two Italian ports before continuing towards Gaza. The educational value from the hundreds of people who visited the ship in different harbours has made thousands of connections with the Estelle and her mission of solidarity. The beauty of a tall ship coupled with the pace of sail power (which the skipper and crew prefer to motors wherever possible) has brought this voyage towards Gaza into the hearts of communities as never before.
The Estelle is unique in that she has been both a commercially licensed cargo vessel and a sail training ship for some years. There are no passengers on a training vessel: everyone who is not part of the crew is a “trainee” and we all do a watch (two shifts of four hours each day), where each person contributes according to their ability. While I am at the beginning of my learning curve when it comes to knots, rigging, steering or charting a course, I can mop a floor and wash dishes as well as the next trainee (which on our watch includes a Swedish MP who is Chair of his party’s parliamentary caucus). There are also several professional mariners who are donating their time: the ship and all aboard are in good hands.
The Estelle carries a varied cargo: from school supplies donated by school-kids to cement to aid the reconstruction of Gaza. But as always the most precious cargo on these trips is human solidarity: the Palestinians of Gaza need that much more than they need material aid.
Indeed, the crippling dependence on humanitarian aid is entirely a product of the blockade. If their right to trade and travel freely were upheld by ending the blockade, the Palestinians of Gaza would be able to rebuild their formerly thriving economy and eliminate the need for aid.
International solidarity with the Estelle’s voyage is growing with every port of call. The receptions in the Spanish ports of Donosti, Bermeo, Santa Pola, Alicante and Barcelona were huge: performances by international artists such as Che Sudaka and Manu Chao as well as boat tours reached beyond the usual activists to touch a broad spectrum of the population.
On its last leg, from Naples to Gaza, the Estelle will carry another Canadian representative, as well as material needed for the construction of Gaza’s Ark, the ship we are rebuilding in Gaza to challenge the blockade from the inside out. The international Freedom Flotilla Coalition is now involved in sailing both to and from Gaza as we continue steadfast on same course: the conscience of humanity.
We know all too well the dangers faced by the Estelle and everyone on board as she approaches her destination. Those of us who have been attacked by the Israeli navy, abducted in international waters and imprisoned in Israel know it in personal detail, but the whole world is now becoming aware of the lawless actions of this rogue state.
Israel continues to defy international law with impunity because the governments of the world fail to hold it accountable. So it falls to civil society to demand accountability and to support those who personally defy this flagrantly illegal and inhumane blockade.
There is not room on a few small boats in the Eastern Mediterranean to welcome all the supporters of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, but there is more than enough room for everyone to get on board with your support for the Estelle in defying the blockade of Gaza.
Please sign the statement of support and please spread the word far and wide. You can also follow the Estelle’s progress towards her destination here.
When I leave my shipmates in a few short days, my thoughts will go with these brave souls as they continue their voyage of solidarity to defy injustice with their bodies: as always, their best guarantee of safety is our eyes and voices. Where the governments of the world fail, engaged international civil society must act instead.
We sail until the Palestinians of Gaza regain their freedom of movement.
David Heap is a Steering Committee member with the Canadian Boat to Gaza and Gaza's Ark. He was on the Tahrir in July and again when it was attacked in November 2011, spending six days in Israeli prison before being deported back to Canada.
It is a great honour to be able to accompany the Swedish sailing ship Estelle for a few days, from Barcelona to Ajaccio (Corsica), on its way towards Gaza to challenge the illegal and inhuman blockade which has lasted now for more than five years.
The Estelle in a 90 year-old three-masted schooner purchased from a Finnish fair-trade organization by Ship to Gaza Sweden in April and renovated for this sea voyage. She began a Swedish coastal tour in June, with solidarity and information events in communities to raise awareness about the blockade in Gaza.
From Sweden she traveled to ports in Norway, France, Spain and will stop in Corsica and two Italian ports before continuing towards Gaza. The educational value from the hundreds of people who visited the ship in different harbours has made thousands of connections with the Estelle and her mission of solidarity. The beauty of a tall ship coupled with the pace of sail power (which the skipper and crew prefer to motors wherever possible) has brought this voyage towards Gaza into the hearts of communities as never before.
The Estelle is unique in that she has been both a commercially licensed cargo vessel and a sail training ship for some years. There are no passengers on a training vessel: everyone who is not part of the crew is a “trainee” and we all do a watch (two shifts of four hours each day), where each person contributes according to their ability. While I am at the beginning of my learning curve when it comes to knots, rigging, steering or charting a course, I can mop a floor and wash dishes as well as the next trainee (which on our watch includes a Swedish MP who is Chair of his party’s parliamentary caucus). There are also several professional mariners who are donating their time: the ship and all aboard are in good hands.
The Estelle carries a varied cargo: from school supplies donated by school-kids to cement to aid the reconstruction of Gaza. But as always the most precious cargo on these trips is human solidarity: the Palestinians of Gaza need that much more than they need material aid.
Indeed, the crippling dependence on humanitarian aid is entirely a product of the blockade. If their right to trade and travel freely were upheld by ending the blockade, the Palestinians of Gaza would be able to rebuild their formerly thriving economy and eliminate the need for aid.
International solidarity with the Estelle’s voyage is growing with every port of call. The receptions in the Spanish ports of Donosti, Bermeo, Santa Pola, Alicante and Barcelona were huge: performances by international artists such as Che Sudaka and Manu Chao as well as boat tours reached beyond the usual activists to touch a broad spectrum of the population.
On its last leg, from Naples to Gaza, the Estelle will carry another Canadian representative, as well as material needed for the construction of Gaza’s Ark, the ship we are rebuilding in Gaza to challenge the blockade from the inside out. The international Freedom Flotilla Coalition is now involved in sailing both to and from Gaza as we continue steadfast on same course: the conscience of humanity.
We know all too well the dangers faced by the Estelle and everyone on board as she approaches her destination. Those of us who have been attacked by the Israeli navy, abducted in international waters and imprisoned in Israel know it in personal detail, but the whole world is now becoming aware of the lawless actions of this rogue state.
Israel continues to defy international law with impunity because the governments of the world fail to hold it accountable. So it falls to civil society to demand accountability and to support those who personally defy this flagrantly illegal and inhumane blockade.
There is not room on a few small boats in the Eastern Mediterranean to welcome all the supporters of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, but there is more than enough room for everyone to get on board with your support for the Estelle in defying the blockade of Gaza.
Please sign the statement of support and please spread the word far and wide. You can also follow the Estelle’s progress towards her destination here.
When I leave my shipmates in a few short days, my thoughts will go with these brave souls as they continue their voyage of solidarity to defy injustice with their bodies: as always, their best guarantee of safety is our eyes and voices. Where the governments of the world fail, engaged international civil society must act instead.
We sail until the Palestinians of Gaza regain their freedom of movement.
David Heap is a Steering Committee member with the Canadian Boat to Gaza and Gaza's Ark. He was on the Tahrir in July and again when it was attacked in November 2011, spending six days in Israeli prison before being deported back to Canada.
Jim Manly Joins the International Mission of the Estelle to Challenge the Gaza Blockade
Former Canadian MP (Member of Parliament 1980 to 88) and retired United Church Minister Jim Manly* will join a group of prominent internationals on the Freedom Flotilla's "Estelle" sailing from Naples to Gaza in early October.
The mission of the Estelle, which started in Scandinavia and visited many European ports before reaching Italy yesterday, is the latest initiative of the international "Freedom Flotilla Coalition" (FFC) to challenge the Blockade of Gaza.
The "Canadian Boat to Gaza" campaign is coordinating Jim's trip and also playing a key role in the next FFC action: Gaza's Ark (www.gazaark.org), which is geared towards boat building in Gaza and encouraging Palestinian industry and exports to challenge the blockade from within.
FFC's petition calling for an end to the Israeli Blockade of Gaza has been signed by over a hundred European Parliamentarians: http://upprop.shiptogaza.se/en
Jim Manly will be holding a press conference in Vancouver airport on the afternoon Wed., Oct 3rd as he leaves for Italy.
* Jim Manly, a brief biography:
Jim Manly is a retired United Church minister who served as a New Democratic Party Member of Parliament from 1980-88, representing Cowichan-Malahat-the Islands, a BC Coastal riding. As MP, he was NDP critic for Indian Affairs and later critic for Fisheries and also International Development. As a United Church minister, Jim served mostly British Columbia congregations and has been active in the Church's social justice work in Canada and the Americas. Ordained in 1957, he retired in 1997. He lives near Nanaimo, B.C. with his wife, Eva, and together they continue to be active in a number of areas including Mid-Islanders for Justice and Peace in the Middle East. This past spring he and Eva took part in a Pilgrimage of Solidarity to the Occupied Territory of the Palestinian West Bank.
The mission of the Estelle, which started in Scandinavia and visited many European ports before reaching Italy yesterday, is the latest initiative of the international "Freedom Flotilla Coalition" (FFC) to challenge the Blockade of Gaza.
The "Canadian Boat to Gaza" campaign is coordinating Jim's trip and also playing a key role in the next FFC action: Gaza's Ark (www.gazaark.org), which is geared towards boat building in Gaza and encouraging Palestinian industry and exports to challenge the blockade from within.
FFC's petition calling for an end to the Israeli Blockade of Gaza has been signed by over a hundred European Parliamentarians: http://upprop.shiptogaza.se/en
Jim Manly will be holding a press conference in Vancouver airport on the afternoon Wed., Oct 3rd as he leaves for Italy.
* Jim Manly, a brief biography:
Jim Manly is a retired United Church minister who served as a New Democratic Party Member of Parliament from 1980-88, representing Cowichan-Malahat-the Islands, a BC Coastal riding. As MP, he was NDP critic for Indian Affairs and later critic for Fisheries and also International Development. As a United Church minister, Jim served mostly British Columbia congregations and has been active in the Church's social justice work in Canada and the Americas. Ordained in 1957, he retired in 1997. He lives near Nanaimo, B.C. with his wife, Eva, and together they continue to be active in a number of areas including Mid-Islanders for Justice and Peace in the Middle East. This past spring he and Eva took part in a Pilgrimage of Solidarity to the Occupied Territory of the Palestinian West Bank.
Personal message from Jim Manly sailing on the Estelle
15 October 2012
Greetings to all of you and thank you for your many messages of encouragement and support. These mean a great deal to all of us on the Estelle as we sail toward Gaza.
I appreciate the dedication and commitment of all on board this boat. All of us are committed to non-violence and we are on this journey because of our commitment to the Palestinians of Gaza who are suffering because of this illegal blockade.
The whole history of the Flotilla Movement is a story of perseverance in our commitment to justice for Palestinians in Gaza and elsewhere. The focus should not be on us – the focus should be on the people of Gaza who await our safe arrival. They are also waiting for the world to listen – to hear their side of the story, which is missing from the mainstream media. Please read and download the recent UN Gaza Report from here: http://www.unrwa.org/etemplate.php?id=1423.
When Eva and I were in Bethlehem in May we saw an image painted on the “Annexation Wall” which reads: “Now you have seen. You are responsible!” We take this responsibility seriously.”
As we approach the Sea of Gaza we are filled with hope. I look forward to delivering the anchor for Gaza’s Ark (video: http://www.gazaark.org/2012/10/15/video-jim-manly-will-deliver-a-canadian-anchor-to-gaza) . We carry humanitarian supplies. Our only “dangerous cargo” is a cargo of HOPE.
Please hold us and the people of Gaza in your thoughts, meditations and prayers.
Sincerely, Jim Manly
Greetings to all of you and thank you for your many messages of encouragement and support. These mean a great deal to all of us on the Estelle as we sail toward Gaza.
I appreciate the dedication and commitment of all on board this boat. All of us are committed to non-violence and we are on this journey because of our commitment to the Palestinians of Gaza who are suffering because of this illegal blockade.
The whole history of the Flotilla Movement is a story of perseverance in our commitment to justice for Palestinians in Gaza and elsewhere. The focus should not be on us – the focus should be on the people of Gaza who await our safe arrival. They are also waiting for the world to listen – to hear their side of the story, which is missing from the mainstream media. Please read and download the recent UN Gaza Report from here: http://www.unrwa.org/etemplate.php?id=1423.
When Eva and I were in Bethlehem in May we saw an image painted on the “Annexation Wall” which reads: “Now you have seen. You are responsible!” We take this responsibility seriously.”
As we approach the Sea of Gaza we are filled with hope. I look forward to delivering the anchor for Gaza’s Ark (video: http://www.gazaark.org/2012/10/15/video-jim-manly-will-deliver-a-canadian-anchor-to-gaza) . We carry humanitarian supplies. Our only “dangerous cargo” is a cargo of HOPE.
Please hold us and the people of Gaza in your thoughts, meditations and prayers.
Sincerely, Jim Manly
Who else was sailing with the Estelle to Gaza to end the blockade?
Passenger I: Elik Elhanan, Israel
Elik Elhanan, Tel Aviv, Israel, is one of the passengers on board the Estelle on its last lap toward Gaza. He belongs to a well-known Israeli family whose forefathers emigrated to Palestine in the 1920s. His great-grandfather was the first Israeli ambassador to Sweden . His grandfather, Matti Peled, a general, was the first military person of high standing to oppose the 1972 occupation, and he formed peace groups with the Palestinians. He later retired from the army and devoted his time to writing a PhD in Arabic literature.
Erik is 35 years old now. When he was young he was a punk rocker. In 1995 he joined the Israeli army and became a paratrooper, over time advancing to become a member of an elite formation.
On 4th September 1997, his 16-year-old sister Smadar Elhanan was on her way back from school on the Ben Yehuda Avenue in Jerusalem. It was the first week of the school term and many people were out on the streets. That afternoon, three suicide bombers blew themselves up on Ben Yehuda. Five people died and twenty were wounded.
When Elik heard about the atrocity in his regiment, he called home, as did everyone in Jerusalem. There nobody had heard any news. When he called again, a neighbour answered. His parents had gone to identify their daughter. She and her best friend were among the dead.
Following the death of Smadar, Elik’s mother Noret Pelled Elhanan declared that she held the Israeli government and its politics of occupation responsible for the death of her daughter.
When Elik had completed his military service, he left the army and traveled around the world for almost two years before settling in Paris, where he sought contact with activists from countries around the world, working against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. His parents were involved in “We lost a child”, an organisation for Palestinian and Israeli parents who had lost their children. Two years ago, his father Rami participated in an entirely Jewish Ship to Gaza to end the blockade. On board were several survivors from the holocaust. They were stopped.
In 2002, Elik joined the soldiers who refused to take part in the war against Gaza, a group calling itself “The courage to refuse”. In 2004 he returned to Israel and, together with Palestinians who had been set free from Israeli prisons formed an organisation called “Combatants for peace”.
As I write these notes, we pass the Messina strait with Elik on board the Estelle. He sees the Israeli blockade of Gaza as criminal. Europe could easily apply pressure on Israel in the matter, as 40% of Israel’s trade goes to Europe. But, according to Elik, Europe and Israel appear to have reached an agreement as follows: Europe is absolved of the holocaust, and in turn does not protest against the Israeli occupation and oppression of the Palestinians.
Maria-Pia Boëthius, writer and member of the crew on board Estelle
Elik Elhanan, Tel Aviv, Israel, is one of the passengers on board the Estelle on its last lap toward Gaza. He belongs to a well-known Israeli family whose forefathers emigrated to Palestine in the 1920s. His great-grandfather was the first Israeli ambassador to Sweden . His grandfather, Matti Peled, a general, was the first military person of high standing to oppose the 1972 occupation, and he formed peace groups with the Palestinians. He later retired from the army and devoted his time to writing a PhD in Arabic literature.
Erik is 35 years old now. When he was young he was a punk rocker. In 1995 he joined the Israeli army and became a paratrooper, over time advancing to become a member of an elite formation.
On 4th September 1997, his 16-year-old sister Smadar Elhanan was on her way back from school on the Ben Yehuda Avenue in Jerusalem. It was the first week of the school term and many people were out on the streets. That afternoon, three suicide bombers blew themselves up on Ben Yehuda. Five people died and twenty were wounded.
When Elik heard about the atrocity in his regiment, he called home, as did everyone in Jerusalem. There nobody had heard any news. When he called again, a neighbour answered. His parents had gone to identify their daughter. She and her best friend were among the dead.
Following the death of Smadar, Elik’s mother Noret Pelled Elhanan declared that she held the Israeli government and its politics of occupation responsible for the death of her daughter.
When Elik had completed his military service, he left the army and traveled around the world for almost two years before settling in Paris, where he sought contact with activists from countries around the world, working against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. His parents were involved in “We lost a child”, an organisation for Palestinian and Israeli parents who had lost their children. Two years ago, his father Rami participated in an entirely Jewish Ship to Gaza to end the blockade. On board were several survivors from the holocaust. They were stopped.
In 2002, Elik joined the soldiers who refused to take part in the war against Gaza, a group calling itself “The courage to refuse”. In 2004 he returned to Israel and, together with Palestinians who had been set free from Israeli prisons formed an organisation called “Combatants for peace”.
As I write these notes, we pass the Messina strait with Elik on board the Estelle. He sees the Israeli blockade of Gaza as criminal. Europe could easily apply pressure on Israel in the matter, as 40% of Israel’s trade goes to Europe. But, according to Elik, Europe and Israel appear to have reached an agreement as follows: Europe is absolved of the holocaust, and in turn does not protest against the Israeli occupation and oppression of the Palestinians.
Maria-Pia Boëthius, writer and member of the crew on board Estelle
Jim Manly (MP 1980-88) sails against Gaza Blockade.
Estelle to Gaza
As many of you know, Jim has tried his hand at many things; raising turkeys, horse logging with his Dad, a student at various times and two stints as a “worker priest” in a ”tent making ministry” - working as a logger at Camp Woss, (“chockerman” & “cat hooker,” secretary of the camp’s IWA sub-local , holding church services in three logging camps on different weekends).
Co-Directing (with Eva) an SCM Student in Industry Work Camp in downtown Toronto was followed by four formative years as minister in Kitamaat Village – the beginning of understanding some issues of First Nations peoples.
In Port Alice, serving a multi point charge, then back to being “worker priest”- shift work as cleanup man in the Pulp Mill “pulling broke” and emptying garbage followed by a job in the lab, while serving a congregation and again secretary of a union – this time local 514 of the IBPS&PMW; a year serving Port Alice, Port Hardy, & Port McNeill then four years in Prince Rupert including: ‘detached worker” with First Nations people, filling in on the Thomas Crosby Mission Boat one week per month, and being a candidate in a provincial election.
Then MA student in English and a Teaching Assistant at UBC, seven years as minister in Ladysmith, 8 &1/2 years as NDP MP for Cowichan Malahat the Islands, seven years in Vancouver East as minister, writer of a book ,The Wounds of Manuel Saquic, followed by retirement to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. All this, plus parenting and grandparenting.
Jim has never once mentioned wanting to be a sailor!
But he has signed on as a “trainee” on the crew of a Swedish tall ship the S/V Estelle
Jim is going to Naples to join a Swedish tall ship the S/V Estelle bound for Gaza to try to break the Seige. The boat is carrying school supplies and material to rebuild buildings destroyed by bombing. Jim will be the only Canadian on board. The other “trainees” will be from other countries.
The decision for Jim to go had to be made in a short period of time but we assure you that it was made by both of us after deep reflection and is the result of a joint commitment to the goals involved. We both need your support and blessings.
Many people refer to Gaza as “the world’s largest open air prison” but British Journalist Laurel Booth ( Tony Blair’s sister in law) was on one of the 1st boats to Gaza. She says this is not an adequate metaphor because in British prisons inmates get three good meals per day - many children in Gaza suffer malnutrition and anemia and 44 % of the people are food insecure and receive assistance - British prisoners receive good medical care - the people of Gaza do not - prisoners know when their sentence will end - the people of Gaza do not. Laurel Booth says that Gaza, with inadequate & dwindling water supply and sewage treatment, is better described as the world’s largest Concentration Camp.
Several attempts have been made to break the siege of Gaza - to bring humanitarian aid to the people. At the beginning of this effort, several attempts to reach Gaza were successful but those following have been hijacked in international waters by Israel’s Navy; humanitarian aid has been confiscated and passengers arrested and imprisoned in Israel before being deported. Several passengers on the Mavi Marmara were killed and others injured. One boat was rammed three times and badly damaged but the passengers survived. Most of the boats are simply seized(an illegal act) are simply arrested and deported.
One of the purposes of the Boats to Gaza is to let the people of Gaza, who are cut off from the rest of the world, know that they are not forgotten and to remind the world that the people of Gaza are entitled to human rights. Greta Berlin, one of the founders of the Boat to Gaza Movement and co-editor of Freedom Sailors, will speak in Nanaimo on Oct. 23 rd at 6PM at the Harbourfront Library. If you live on the Island please join us
Below you will find: a press release going out from the Boat to Gaza National Committee, a link to the Estelle with an excellent article by David Heap who is on the Estelle from Barcelona to Naples. (for those who wish more information and a better understanding.)
Thank you for your friendship, interest & support,
Eva & Jim
As many of you know, Jim has tried his hand at many things; raising turkeys, horse logging with his Dad, a student at various times and two stints as a “worker priest” in a ”tent making ministry” - working as a logger at Camp Woss, (“chockerman” & “cat hooker,” secretary of the camp’s IWA sub-local , holding church services in three logging camps on different weekends).
Co-Directing (with Eva) an SCM Student in Industry Work Camp in downtown Toronto was followed by four formative years as minister in Kitamaat Village – the beginning of understanding some issues of First Nations peoples.
In Port Alice, serving a multi point charge, then back to being “worker priest”- shift work as cleanup man in the Pulp Mill “pulling broke” and emptying garbage followed by a job in the lab, while serving a congregation and again secretary of a union – this time local 514 of the IBPS&PMW; a year serving Port Alice, Port Hardy, & Port McNeill then four years in Prince Rupert including: ‘detached worker” with First Nations people, filling in on the Thomas Crosby Mission Boat one week per month, and being a candidate in a provincial election.
Then MA student in English and a Teaching Assistant at UBC, seven years as minister in Ladysmith, 8 &1/2 years as NDP MP for Cowichan Malahat the Islands, seven years in Vancouver East as minister, writer of a book ,The Wounds of Manuel Saquic, followed by retirement to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. All this, plus parenting and grandparenting.
Jim has never once mentioned wanting to be a sailor!
But he has signed on as a “trainee” on the crew of a Swedish tall ship the S/V Estelle
Jim is going to Naples to join a Swedish tall ship the S/V Estelle bound for Gaza to try to break the Seige. The boat is carrying school supplies and material to rebuild buildings destroyed by bombing. Jim will be the only Canadian on board. The other “trainees” will be from other countries.
The decision for Jim to go had to be made in a short period of time but we assure you that it was made by both of us after deep reflection and is the result of a joint commitment to the goals involved. We both need your support and blessings.
Many people refer to Gaza as “the world’s largest open air prison” but British Journalist Laurel Booth ( Tony Blair’s sister in law) was on one of the 1st boats to Gaza. She says this is not an adequate metaphor because in British prisons inmates get three good meals per day - many children in Gaza suffer malnutrition and anemia and 44 % of the people are food insecure and receive assistance - British prisoners receive good medical care - the people of Gaza do not - prisoners know when their sentence will end - the people of Gaza do not. Laurel Booth says that Gaza, with inadequate & dwindling water supply and sewage treatment, is better described as the world’s largest Concentration Camp.
Several attempts have been made to break the siege of Gaza - to bring humanitarian aid to the people. At the beginning of this effort, several attempts to reach Gaza were successful but those following have been hijacked in international waters by Israel’s Navy; humanitarian aid has been confiscated and passengers arrested and imprisoned in Israel before being deported. Several passengers on the Mavi Marmara were killed and others injured. One boat was rammed three times and badly damaged but the passengers survived. Most of the boats are simply seized(an illegal act) are simply arrested and deported.
One of the purposes of the Boats to Gaza is to let the people of Gaza, who are cut off from the rest of the world, know that they are not forgotten and to remind the world that the people of Gaza are entitled to human rights. Greta Berlin, one of the founders of the Boat to Gaza Movement and co-editor of Freedom Sailors, will speak in Nanaimo on Oct. 23 rd at 6PM at the Harbourfront Library. If you live on the Island please join us
Below you will find: a press release going out from the Boat to Gaza National Committee, a link to the Estelle with an excellent article by David Heap who is on the Estelle from Barcelona to Naples. (for those who wish more information and a better understanding.)
Thank you for your friendship, interest & support,
Eva & Jim
Israel attacks the Estelle in International Waters - Kidnaps Parliamentarians and activists
Montreal, 2012-10-20-04h30
Shortly after 4:00AM EDT when the Estelle was in international waters approx. 17 Nautical Miles north of Arish, Egypt (as per the last coordinates we have) Israeli war ships surrounded it and the assault on the peaceful ship started.
Communications were lost at that time and all reports we got from the ship were choppy.
Among others, the following individuals were on board:
Former Member of Parliament Manly James, Canada
Member of Parliament Hagen Aksel, Norway
Member of Parliament Britton Sven, Sweden
Member of Parliament Kodelas Dimitios, Greece
Member of Parliament Sixto Ricardo, Spain
Member of Parliament Diamantopoulos Evangelos, Greece
See Jim Manly's pre-recorded video message: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8egYBdf-Zo
Estelle crew were beaten during the attack and by interrogators
Canadian Jim Manly still in detention
Montreal; 2012-10-22 - 22h00
As Jim Manly, former Canadian MP (1980-88) and retired United Church Minister, continues to be detained in Israel with many of the other crew members of the Estelle, without any news about when he will be released. This despite freeing the Greek, Italian and Spanish citizens who were on the Estelle and the release of Israeli activists after being detained and charged.
Elik Elhanan, one of the Israelis released, said that excessive force and tasers were used against them and that a Greek MP was beaten by Shabak Security Service interrogators.
"I am now on my way home, but I keep thinking of my shipmates, my fellow activists from abroad who are still imprisoned under harsh conditions and undergo interrogation by the Shabak Security Service, among them Parliament Members from several countries," said Elik Elhanan, one of the Israeli activists who had sailed aboard the Gaza-bound Swedish ship "Estelle". Today, the court ordered his release and that of two other detained Israelis, Yonatan Shapira and Reut Mor. "At first they tried to charge us with all kinds of very serious felonies, such as 'aiding the enemy'. The court rejected this out of hand. Today they tried an article on the law books called "Attempted infiltration into a part of the Land of Israel which is not part of the State of Israel" (sic). But the court threw out this charge, too". The detained activists were represented by Attorney Gaby Lasky and her team, who have considerable experience with Human Rights cases.
The released detainees were cheerfully greeted by peace activists who arrived at the courtroom, among them Elik Elhanan's parents - Rami Elhanan and Nurit Peled-Elhanan, who is the daughter of the late Major General Matti Peled. Smadar Elhanan, Elik's sister, was killed in a suicide bombing at the center of Jerusalem – a harsh experience which made surviving family members all the more determined to strive for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, so as to prevent further casualties on either side.
"They used a completely disproportional amount of force against us" continues Elhanan. "When the Navy arrived to take us over, Yonatan Shapira counted no less than fifteen vessels surrounding us on all sides. Large and small ships and boats, a ship carrying a helicopter, as well as the Zodiacs of the Naval Commandos. Fifteen armed naval vessels against one small civilian boat carrying games for the children of Gaza. We must have disturbed very much the Navy and those who give orders to the Navy."
"These testimonies increase our concern for Jim and continue to raise the question why aren't the Canadian government and the opposition NDP doing more to secure his release?" Said Eva Manly, Jim's wife.
Montreal; 2012-10-22 - 22h00
As Jim Manly, former Canadian MP (1980-88) and retired United Church Minister, continues to be detained in Israel with many of the other crew members of the Estelle, without any news about when he will be released. This despite freeing the Greek, Italian and Spanish citizens who were on the Estelle and the release of Israeli activists after being detained and charged.
Elik Elhanan, one of the Israelis released, said that excessive force and tasers were used against them and that a Greek MP was beaten by Shabak Security Service interrogators.
"I am now on my way home, but I keep thinking of my shipmates, my fellow activists from abroad who are still imprisoned under harsh conditions and undergo interrogation by the Shabak Security Service, among them Parliament Members from several countries," said Elik Elhanan, one of the Israeli activists who had sailed aboard the Gaza-bound Swedish ship "Estelle". Today, the court ordered his release and that of two other detained Israelis, Yonatan Shapira and Reut Mor. "At first they tried to charge us with all kinds of very serious felonies, such as 'aiding the enemy'. The court rejected this out of hand. Today they tried an article on the law books called "Attempted infiltration into a part of the Land of Israel which is not part of the State of Israel" (sic). But the court threw out this charge, too". The detained activists were represented by Attorney Gaby Lasky and her team, who have considerable experience with Human Rights cases.
The released detainees were cheerfully greeted by peace activists who arrived at the courtroom, among them Elik Elhanan's parents - Rami Elhanan and Nurit Peled-Elhanan, who is the daughter of the late Major General Matti Peled. Smadar Elhanan, Elik's sister, was killed in a suicide bombing at the center of Jerusalem – a harsh experience which made surviving family members all the more determined to strive for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, so as to prevent further casualties on either side.
"They used a completely disproportional amount of force against us" continues Elhanan. "When the Navy arrived to take us over, Yonatan Shapira counted no less than fifteen vessels surrounding us on all sides. Large and small ships and boats, a ship carrying a helicopter, as well as the Zodiacs of the Naval Commandos. Fifteen armed naval vessels against one small civilian boat carrying games for the children of Gaza. We must have disturbed very much the Navy and those who give orders to the Navy."
"These testimonies increase our concern for Jim and continue to raise the question why aren't the Canadian government and the opposition NDP doing more to secure his release?" Said Eva Manly, Jim's wife.
Jim Manly is Released
October 23, 2012
Jim & Eva Manly
(Condensed note from Eva.)
GOOD NEWS! Jim has been released but will stay in prison until he is taken to the airport for flight to Canada.
The volume of letters of support has been amazing - from as far afield as Guatemala, Chile, Syria, Gaza, Taiwan, several points in Europe & Great Britain including a Nobel Laureate in Ireland.
The Global community seems to be much more aware of the realities of Gaza than Canadians are. Perhaps Canadians will wake up, stop depending on the mainstream media for "information' and speak out.
Eva & Jim - in absencia
Jim & Eva Manly
(Condensed note from Eva.)
GOOD NEWS! Jim has been released but will stay in prison until he is taken to the airport for flight to Canada.
The volume of letters of support has been amazing - from as far afield as Guatemala, Chile, Syria, Gaza, Taiwan, several points in Europe & Great Britain including a Nobel Laureate in Ireland.
The Global community seems to be much more aware of the realities of Gaza than Canadians are. Perhaps Canadians will wake up, stop depending on the mainstream media for "information' and speak out.
Eva & Jim - in absencia
Israeli Activists Detained on Board the Estelle have been Released
Press Release Oct. 22, 2012
The Israeli activists detained on board the "Estelle" were released
Elik Elhanan: excessive force was used against us, without any reason
Electric shocks by taser out of vengeful hatred
A Greek MP was beaten by Shabak Security Service interrogators
"I am now on my way home, but I keep thinking of my shipmates, my fellow activists from abroad who are still imprisoned under harsh conditions and undergo interrogation by the Shabak Security Service, among them Parliament Members from several countries," said Elik Elhanan, one of the Israeli activists who had sailed aboard the Gaza-bound Swedish ship "Estelle". Today, the court ordered his release and that of two other detained Israelis, Yonatan Shapira and Reut Mor. "At first they tried to charge us with all kinds of very serious felonies, such as 'aiding the enemy'. The court rejected this out of hand. Today they tried a article on the law books called "Attempted infiltration into a part of the Land of Israel which is not part of the State of Israel" (sic). But the court threw out this charge, too". The detained activists were represented by Attorney Gaby Lasky and her team, who have considerable experience with Human Rights cases.
The released detainees were cheerfully greeted by peace activists who arrived at the courtroom, among them Elik Elhanan's parents - Rami Elhanan and Nurit Peled-Elhanan, who is the daughter of the late Major General Matti Peled. Smadar Elhanan, Elik's sister, was killed in a suicide bombing at the center of Jerusalem – a harsh experience which made surviving family members all the more determined to strive for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, so as to prevent further casualties on either side.
"I have gone though difficult days, but I certainly do not regret sailing on that boat. I knew what I was getting into" said Elik Elhanan. "During the voyage I made a special contact with Evangelis, a Member of the Greek Parliament who sailed with us. When the Naval Commandos came aboard and while we were blocking their way to the bridge, Evangelis told me we have generated in him a love for the people of Israel and a hope for a better future in the Middle East. Shortly afterwards they separated us. Yesterday evening, when they put Dror Feiler in our cell, he told us that Evangelis had been beaten by the Shabak interrogators. The Shabak lied shamelessly to the Consuls and representatives of foreign countries, telling them that their citizens and MPs were being treated well." Dror Feiler, who was born in Israel and whose mother Pnina lives in Kibbutz Yad Hana, gave up his Israeli citizenship after moving to Stockholm, and was therefore separated most of the time from the Israeli detainees.
"They used a completely disproportional amount of force against us" continues Elhanan. "When the Navy arrived to take us over, Yonatan Shapira counted no less than fifteen vessels surrounding us on all sides. Large and small ships and boats, a ship carrying a helicopter, as well as the Zodiacs of the Naval Commandos. Fifteen armed naval vessels against one small civilian boat carrying games for the children of Gaza. We must have disturbed very much the Navy and those who give orders to the Navy.
When they came aboard and we blocked their way, the soldiers knew exactly who I was. They shouted in Hebrew: 'Elhanan, you will pay for your Leftism!' and used the taser to give me electric shocks. Even after they completed their takeover of the boat, they continued to use the taser and administer more shocks. But if they think they could deter me and those who sailed with me, they are mistaken. The siege of Gaza is an ongoing crime and it must be ended. We will continue the struggle".
The Israeli activists detained on board the "Estelle" were released
Elik Elhanan: excessive force was used against us, without any reason
Electric shocks by taser out of vengeful hatred
A Greek MP was beaten by Shabak Security Service interrogators
"I am now on my way home, but I keep thinking of my shipmates, my fellow activists from abroad who are still imprisoned under harsh conditions and undergo interrogation by the Shabak Security Service, among them Parliament Members from several countries," said Elik Elhanan, one of the Israeli activists who had sailed aboard the Gaza-bound Swedish ship "Estelle". Today, the court ordered his release and that of two other detained Israelis, Yonatan Shapira and Reut Mor. "At first they tried to charge us with all kinds of very serious felonies, such as 'aiding the enemy'. The court rejected this out of hand. Today they tried a article on the law books called "Attempted infiltration into a part of the Land of Israel which is not part of the State of Israel" (sic). But the court threw out this charge, too". The detained activists were represented by Attorney Gaby Lasky and her team, who have considerable experience with Human Rights cases.
The released detainees were cheerfully greeted by peace activists who arrived at the courtroom, among them Elik Elhanan's parents - Rami Elhanan and Nurit Peled-Elhanan, who is the daughter of the late Major General Matti Peled. Smadar Elhanan, Elik's sister, was killed in a suicide bombing at the center of Jerusalem – a harsh experience which made surviving family members all the more determined to strive for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, so as to prevent further casualties on either side.
"I have gone though difficult days, but I certainly do not regret sailing on that boat. I knew what I was getting into" said Elik Elhanan. "During the voyage I made a special contact with Evangelis, a Member of the Greek Parliament who sailed with us. When the Naval Commandos came aboard and while we were blocking their way to the bridge, Evangelis told me we have generated in him a love for the people of Israel and a hope for a better future in the Middle East. Shortly afterwards they separated us. Yesterday evening, when they put Dror Feiler in our cell, he told us that Evangelis had been beaten by the Shabak interrogators. The Shabak lied shamelessly to the Consuls and representatives of foreign countries, telling them that their citizens and MPs were being treated well." Dror Feiler, who was born in Israel and whose mother Pnina lives in Kibbutz Yad Hana, gave up his Israeli citizenship after moving to Stockholm, and was therefore separated most of the time from the Israeli detainees.
"They used a completely disproportional amount of force against us" continues Elhanan. "When the Navy arrived to take us over, Yonatan Shapira counted no less than fifteen vessels surrounding us on all sides. Large and small ships and boats, a ship carrying a helicopter, as well as the Zodiacs of the Naval Commandos. Fifteen armed naval vessels against one small civilian boat carrying games for the children of Gaza. We must have disturbed very much the Navy and those who give orders to the Navy.
When they came aboard and we blocked their way, the soldiers knew exactly who I was. They shouted in Hebrew: 'Elhanan, you will pay for your Leftism!' and used the taser to give me electric shocks. Even after they completed their takeover of the boat, they continued to use the taser and administer more shocks. But if they think they could deter me and those who sailed with me, they are mistaken. The siege of Gaza is an ongoing crime and it must be ended. We will continue the struggle".